Louvre Abu Dhabi, known for its commitment to fostering cultural exchange and showcasing diverse artistic voices, has announced a significant expansion of its prestigious Richard Mille Art Prize. For the first time, artists from North Africa will be eligible to compete for the coveted $60,000 prize.
This move marks a deliberate effort by the museum to further embrace new territories and celebrate the richness of artistic expression across borders.
The Richard Mille Art Prize, launched four years ago in the capital, has traditionally been open to artists from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. However, the museum’s latest announcement opens the doors to artists from Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Sudan, and also Tunisia. This expansion aims to provide a platform for contemporary artists from both regions to showcase their talent and creativity.
The organizers of Louvre Abu Dhabi invite artists to submit proposals for site-specific monumental artworks that engage with the outdoor spaces and architecture of the museum under the theme ‘Awakenings.’
They encourage sculptures and audio-visual installations suitable for outdoor display, providing artists with an opportunity to interact with the museum’s unique environment.
Curated by renowned art critic Simon Njami, the Art Here 2024 exhibition will feature selected works from the submissions. Njami’s expertise in the region underscores the museum’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity in its programming. The exhibition, scheduled to run from September 20 to December 15, will provide a platform for artists to explore and also share their perspectives with a global audience.
In addition to the exhibition, the Richard Mille Art Prize will recognize one outstanding artist with a grand prize of $60,000. This prestigious award, in collaboration with Swiss luxury watch brand Richard Mille, aims to support and highlight the work of contemporary artists in the region. The winner will be announced on the final day of the exhibition, showcasing the museum’s dedication to nurturing talent and promoting cultural exchange.
Louvre Abu Dhabi’s commitment to fostering artistic talent extends beyond the Art Here exhibition. The museum recently extended the Art Here 2023 exhibition until March 31, 2024, due to its overwhelming success. Maya El Khalil curated the exhibition, exploring the theme of ‘transparencies’ through the works of seven regional artists, including Nabla Yahya, who won the Richard Mille Art Prize in January for her installation, “SoftBank.” The artwork comprised three components collectively delving into obscured histories surrounding the initial construction of the Suez Canal.
Through initiatives like the Richard Mille Art Prize and Art Here exhibitions, Louvre Abu Dhabi further serves as a beacon of cultural dialogue and artistic innovation, bridging continents and connecting communities through the universal language of art.
Artists interested in submitting proposals for the Art Here 2024 exhibition can find more information on Louvre Abu Dhabi’s website. The call for proposals is open until April 21, 2024, offering aspiring artists from North Africa and the GCC an opportunity to showcase their talent on an international stage.
